Global Payroll Manager

Position Summary

The Global Payroll Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight and administration of payroll operations for Transpire Bio's global workforce across the United States, United Kingdom, and China. This position ensures the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll while partnering with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to maintain best-in-class payroll governance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll operations for employees in the United States, United Kingdom, and China.
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on schedule in accordance with local statutory requirements.
• Cook payroll calendars, approvals, funding requirements, and year-end activities.
• Review payroll registers, reconciliation reports, tax filings, and payroll audits prior to final approval.
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with global payroll providers, including Vistra and Trinet.
• Manage payroll service level agreements and vendor performance.
• Coordinate implementation of new payroll processes and system enhancements.
• Resolve payroll issues with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, UK, and China payroll regulations.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings and statutory reporting.
• Partner with the China HR Manager to facilitate required local government payroll submissions and tax reporting.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with legal retention requirements.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Develop and maintain strong payroll controls supporting IPO readiness.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and approval workflows.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and management reporting.
• Document payroll processes and internal controls.
• Support SOX compliance initiatives following the Company's IPO.
• Process annual merit increases, bonuses, commissions, and special incentive payments.
• Coordinate equity-related payroll taxation, including stock options, RSUs, and other equity awards.
• Partner with Finance on payroll accruals and month-end reporting.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and external advisors.
• Support international employee mobility and expatriate payroll matters.
• Assist with payroll due diligence activities for financing rounds and IPO preparation.
• Recommend process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Prepare payroll metrics and management reports.
• Analyze payroll trends and identify opportunities for efficiency.
• Support annual budgeting and workforce planning activities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive payroll experience. Experience managing multi-state U.S. payroll. Experience administering international payrolls. Mandarin language proficiency preferred. Experience working with outsourced global payroll providers. Experience supporting companies in high-growth or publicly traded environments preferred. Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge & Skills: Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and regulations. Familiarity with UK and international payroll practices. Understanding of China payroll coordination and statutory compliance requirements. Knowledge of payroll taxation, year-end reporting, and equity compensation. Experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Excel. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and organizational abilities. High degree of confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). SHRM or HRCI certification (preferred but not required).
• Key Competencies: Global Payroll Leadership. Payroll Compliance. Vendor Management. Internal Controls. Financial Acumen. Process Improvement. Project Management. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Confidentiality. Customer Service. Attention to Detail.